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US Wireless Broadband Penetration 24th Worldwide – September 2011 Bandwidth Report

The US ranks 24th in wireless broadband penetration worldwide, according to a recent survey. Europe leads all regions in broadband speeds, averaging more than 2.7 times the worldwide average.

US Ranks 24th in Wireless Broadband Subscribers per 100 Inhabitants

The United States just made the top 25 in a recent survey of wireless broadband subscribership the the ITU (see Figure 1). About 54 percent of the population has an active mobile broadband subscription in the US, ahead of Ireland at 47.3% penetration. Korea leads all countries surveyed with 91 percent penetration, followed by Japan at 87.8%, Sweden at 84%, Australia at 82.7% and Finland at 78.1% mobile broadband penetartion. The UK came in 21st overall with 56% of inhabitants on mobile broadband, while Canada did not make the top 25.

Growth in Web Video Duration

Figure 1: Top 25 Countries in Mobile Broadband Penetration 2010
Source: ITU Measuring the Information Society 2011

Europe Leads World in Bandwidth

Meanwhile Europe leads all regions in bandwidth speeds, with more than 2.7 times the worldwide average in bandwidth data rates (see Figure 2). Africa, Asia & Pacific, and the Arab States came in last. The Americas moved below the world average from 2005 to 2010.

International Bandwidth by Region - 2010

Figure 2: International Bandwidth by Region – 2010
Source: ITU Measuring the Information Society 2011

Further Reading

ITU Measuring the Information Society 2011
An extensive report with data and graphs showing trends in mobile and non-mobile broadband among
many countries.